commonly asked questions
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Yes you may pay your bill via credit card. We accept Mastercard, VISA, and Discover.
A bank convenience fee of $18.00 will be added to your total bill. To pay online please visit the resident portal here.
When do I put down a deposit?
No deposit is necessary, we just ask for our first payment on July 1 or before (Dec 1 for spring only). The $175.00 service and application fee are not considered a deposit and will not hold a space at Illini Tower.
What if I need to cancel my lease?
Landlord and Tenant specifically agree that the “Certified Housing” designation by the University of Illinois of the leased premises shall be deemed a material element of this lease and a mutually dependent covenant with the Tenant’s obligation to pay rent hereunder. If at any time during the lease term, such certification is withdrawn, the lease and Tenant’s obligations hereunder shall be voidable at the Tenant’s option. In this event, Tenant shall give written notice to Landlord to exercise said option to void the Lease.
The following additional provisions are applicable in the event Tenant chooses to terminate the Lease prior to the expiration of the Lease Term:
- If Tenant has given Landlord at least 30 days written notice prior to the beginning of the Term of this Lease of Tenant’s official denial of admission to the University, Landlord shall refund to Tenant any previously paid rent.
- If Tenant has given Landlord at least 60 days written notice prior to the beginning of the Term of this lease of Tenant’s decision for any reason, other than denial of admission, not to enroll in the University, Landlord shall refund to Tenant any previously paid rent.
- Reciprocal Agreement with the University of Illinois: Since The Illini Tower is certified housing approved by the University of Illinois Housing Division:
- New, first-time attending undergraduate UIUC students who first arrive on campus for Fall 2009 or Spring 2010
semester and who have a contract with Illini Tower may cancel their housing contract without penalty to contract with University of Illinois Residence Halls any time through September 1, 2009, for the Fall semester 2009 and through November 13, 2009, for the Spring semester 2010, providing they meet established criteria for release.
- Returning undergraduate UIUC students who were on campus before Fall 2009 may cancel their 2009-2010
contract with Illini Tower without penalty through May 1, 2009, for Fall semester 2009, or November 13, 2009, for Spring semester 2010, and move to the University of Illinois Residence Halls, providing they meet established criteria for release.
Please note that no private to private reciprocal exists for Illini Tower.
I am over 21, do I need to have a guarantor?
Yes, we still require a guarantor.
Can additional furniture be brought into the apartment?
IT is fully furnished, however small furniture (lamps, foot stools, etc.) are permitted. Please inquire with the office if you have a question concerning certain furniture.
Can I request an apartment or roommate?
You may request your roommates; if you sign your lease early enough, the chances of being placed together are much higher. Our Resident Director and Resident Assistants also place residents based on their compatibility. Our returning residents get the first chance to choose their rooms, but after they have chosen, you may also choose what is left.
What types of apartments/rooms are available?
Illini Tower offers five types of apartment-style rooms: Standard 2 bedroom, 4 person apartments, 3 bedroom, 3 person apartments, 4 bedroom, 4 person apartments, efficiency apartments, and new efficiency apartments. *All apartments have 1 bathroom, except the 4 bedroom, 4 person apartment, which has 2 bathrooms.*
How close to campus are you?
Just 2 blocks from U of I's main quad and minutes away from Green Street shopping and dining!
What is the cost?
The cost varies based on the style of room you choose, the meal plan you choose, and the payment option you choose. Please refer to the rates section of this website.
What types of leases are available?
Illini Tower offers leases for Fall and Spring semester, Spring semester only, and even has a lease for summer students who wish to stay over summer break!
What size are the beds?
Standard twin size beds. Bed risers are available for purchase during move in.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available for a fee per semester. Limited spaces are available and must be requested. Contact us for more information.
When is my first payment due?
Payments for the Fall and Spring semester are due as follows:
Annual Payment--July 1st
Semester Payments--July 1st and December 1st
Monthly Payments--1st of each month beginning July 1st
Spring Semester--December 1st
If I pay in full, do I get a discount?
Yes, annual payments are lower than semester payments and semester payments are lower than monthly payments. Please refer to the rates section for more detailed payment amounts.
What do I need to hook-up my computer to the Internet?
An Ethernet cord, which can be purchased here at Illini Tower. In addition, the West Study Lounge and the Piazza Fresca are wireless and all desks are equipped with Ethernet jacks. If you would like to go wireless you may by purchasing and setting up a router.
Will you send me a bill each month for rent?
No bills will be sent; you must pay your bills as described on your lease agreement.
How many people live there?
IT has 725 residents, including 15 resident assistants and resident director.
Do I have to have a meal plan?
Yes, since we are certified through the university, our residents are required to have a meal plan. However, we offer a variety of meal plan options to fit your needs. You may "swipe" your friends into the Piazza Fresca too! This will deduct from your number of meals per semester.
What utilities are included in my rent?
ALL utilities are included in your rent! This also includes cable, phone service, and Internet!
Can I use my financial aid?
Though Illini Tower does not have access to your student account or deal directly with U of I’s Financial Aid Office, we have created an Financial Aid Deferment option to better serve the needs of those of you who receive financial aid. Please see our Financial Aid Deferment Form for more information.
Can Freshmen live at Illini Tower?
Yes! We are certified to house freshmen as well as all other university students! We understand the importance of meeting new friends and feeling comfortable in your new college home and believe that freshmen deserve to live at IT too!
What do you do so residents can get to know one another?
We provide extensive social programs for residents. There are floor parties so you can get to know your neighbors and make friends. We also offer a variety of building-wide events, geared toward social and educational purposes.
Can I take a tour of IT?
Yes! We give tours from 9-6pm daily! We would love to show you a room and all of our facilities!
How do I reserve my space IT?
Reserving your space is a two step process. First you should complete an application form and submit it with your $175.00 application and service fee ($25 nonrefundable application fee and $150 service fee, refundable up until the signing of the lease agreement). Upon receiving your completed application we will send you a lease agreement for the upcoming school year. Once your signed lease is approved your space is guaranteed. Please note that we sign all lease agreements on a first come first served basis according to space availability and a signed lease is what reserves your spot!
How much more does it cost to stay at IT than at a university residence hall?
Illini Tower is a little more costly than the resident halls; however, we offer much more amenities and apartment-style living!
